The Affordable Care Act Represents the Biggest Advancement in Women’s Health in a Generation

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Planned Parenthood Shasta Pacific Celebrates Two Years and 20 Million Women Receiving Preventive Care without a Co-Pay

San Francisco, CA – March 23, 2012 marks the 2nd anniversary of the passage of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) – the historic health care reform legislation signed into law by President Obama. Planned Parenthood Shasta Pacific fully supports this historic piece of legislation for expanding health insurance coverage and ensuring access to affordable preventive health care services.

“The ACA represents the greatest single advancement for women’s access to health care in a generation,” said Heather Estes, President and CEO of Planned Parenthood Shasta Pacific. “Because of this legislation, millions of women now have access to affordable preventive health care services such as birth control, breast and cervical cancer screening and annual well-women exams without costly co-pays. In fact, since the law was enacted two years ago, 20 million women across the country have received preventive care without paying a co-pay,” Estes continued.

Estes added, “With current efforts across the country to take away access for women’s health, we need the Affordable Care Act more than ever to provide women with access to preventive care.”

·Preventive care without co-pays. Preventive health care services such as birth control, breast and cervical cancer screenings and annual well-women exams no longer have costly co-pays. In fact, in the two years since the law has been enacted, 20 million women have received preventive care without a co-pay.

·Direct Access to OB/GYN. Women are guaranteed direct access to their OB/GYN without a burdensome referral from another doctor or insurance company.

·No discrimination in health insurance. Women can no longer be charged more than men for health insurance or be denied insurance for having a pre-existing condition such as a pregnancy or being a victim of domestic violence.

·Coverage for Young Adults. Young adults can stay on their parents’ health insurance plan until age 26.

·No Loss of Health Insurance. No one can lose their health insurance when they get sick or become pregnant.

“Planned Parenthood is at the frontline providing health care for those who need it most, and expanding access to health care services is our number one priority,” said Estes. “We fully support the ACA as it will have a long-lasting, positive impact on the health and well-being of American women and their families,” Estes concluded.